2017 BMW 740Li review, test drive

New 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol straight-six is a great option if you don’t want the big V8 or a diesel.

Published on May 02, 2017 12:55:00 PM

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What’s it like to drive?

First things first, the new motor. The 740Li uses a 2,998cc, twin-scroll-turbocharged straight-six that produces 326hp and 450Nm of torque. It’s paired, as ever, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, sourced from ZF. Initial refinement is just superb, as it murmurs and shimmies to life and then settles down into a calm idle. You can hear it a bit once you open it up past, say, 3,500rpm (on its way to a near-7,000rpm redline) but it’s a good noise; a bit hushed by the turbo whoosh and the cabin insulation, but underneath is that classic BMW straight-six mechanical rasp. What’s more audible at speed is a bit of tyre noise, and that’s not ideal in a car of this sort. Acceleration is creamy smooth and really reminds you just how special a Bavarian petrol straight-six used to feel (this and the X5 are the only two mainstream models to currently offer a six-cylinder petrol in India). You really don’t mind extending it to the redline from time to time, because power delivery is really strong, and the gearbox makes sure it continues unabated between ratios. While the 750Li gets to 100kph in a M5-rivalling 4.7sec, you have to admit that this 740Li’s claimed 5.6sec time is far from shabby. That’s partly because, despite being a 5.2m-long limousine, it still weighs less than 1.8 tonnes, thanks to the lightweight construction, including carbon-fibre components in key areas.

Drive modes dictate the way the engine, gearbox, steering and suspension behave, and you get a choice of Eco Pro, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Sport, the first and last of which get their own ‘individual’ settings to let you customise your drive. Four-corner air suspension (the previous 7-series had air springs only at the rear) has an inherently soft and pillowy ride quality, and in Comfort Plus, it’s simply too bouncy. Comfort is good for everyday use, while Sport mode keeps body movements in check and is still comfortable enough. Still, while it is super comfortable, it lacks that all-conquering quality you’ll find in an S-class. Some sharper bumps can still be felt through the seat of your pants; fine by most standards, but in this segment, all too noticeable.

And though this is no sportscar, Sport mode does a much better job of tightening the car up, should you want to give Jeeves the day off and head for the hill station. Yes, you’ll be aware of its size, but with quick, sharp steering, surprisingly good body control and that rev-happy engine, you might occasionally forget.